Is the male-only priesthood a discipline or essential to the nature of being a priest? Sr. Vassa (again unflinchingly taking up a contentious topic by climbing up the ladder to the highest platform and then jumping into the deep end head first) dives right in and says there is no reason beyond personal preference to not have female clergy. You know, when people ask me about women in priesthood, they say, 'Sister, why can't women be priests?' And I say, 'Women CAN be priests. We don't WANT them to be priests.' Because you see, God can do anything, and the Church, by divine authority, uh, can do anything, but, the Church doesn't want to - and that's a legitimate reason. What I don't like is when we TRY to pretend that there are other reasons for this, because it's legitimate not to want something, and there are reasons not to want this - right? - but, we shouldn't pretent that there's some... reason, that, for example, the maleness...
So on the surface a rogue act by a "progressive/modern" man whose belief/spirituality is in a *reformation* mode. Some will put forth the conspiracy that this (i.e. the ignorance of Met. Antonios) is just the surface, and I think there is some truth in such thoughts in that the formalities can be a too easy setup and then coverup for such innovative men and acts.
ReplyDeleteIn other words, would not any cleric/hierarch/lay leader in Greece not be aware of GOA's - her leadership and membership - secular/progressive outlook and ontology and thus not be more diligent about such requests?
Ouch....
ReplyDeleteI take it most of the children on the territory of his diocese are unbaptized then? 'Cause if we're being strict about things, most Orthodox are nominal at best and usually functional atheists. If we follow his strict line of thought, their numerous failings disqualify their children from being baptized since the Church can't reasonably expect them to be properly raised in the Orthodox Faith...
ReplyDeleteApparently the country of Greece does not allow same-sex couples to adopt children. So, admittedly yes, this would be alarming for the Church of Greece that the baptisms took place in Greece. I assume that it took place there at the Bousis family's request.
ReplyDeleteThis was definitely a Bousis family event though. The uncle is Orthodox and listed as godparent. The grandparents are there. I don't think Archbishop Elpidophorus can properly be accused of lying. However, I can also understand why the local bishop is upset, and I'm not sure why Archbishop Elpidophorus was not more sensitive to the uproar this would cause.